Navajo Nation Resident Cisco Whitehorse Pleads Guilty Following Federal Investigation Into Series of Violent Shooting Incidents

Cisco Whitehorse pleads guilty to federal firearms charges after a series of shootings on the Navajo Nation. He faces 15 years in prison for the 2024-2025 crimes.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 24, 2026, 9:06 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from U.S. Attorney's Office, District of New Mexico

Federal Conviction Following a Year of Tribal Land Violence

A multi-agency investigation into a series of dangerous discharge incidents on the Navajo Nation has culminated in a federal guilty plea from a Torreon resident. Cisco Whitehorse appeared in federal court to admit to the unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, a charge stemming from his status as a prohibited person due to prior felony convictions. The plea marks a significant step in addressing a pattern of localized violence that spanned from mid-2024 through late 2025, during which the defendant was identified as a primary suspect in multiple shooting events.

Detailed Chronology of the Shooting Allegations

According to federal court documents, the cycle of violence began in July 2024 when Whitehorse allegedly opened fire on a passing motorist, striking the victim three times. This was not an isolated event, as subsequent months saw a escalation of similar behavior, including a second incident in August 2024 where shots were fired from his residence at another individual. By August 2025, the same initial victim was targeted a second time, and the spree concluded in September 2025 when Whitehorse reportedly fired multiple rounds near a government building before engaging in a high speed escape from the area.

The FBI Raid and Recovery of Forensic Evidence

The investigation reached its climax in October 2025 when the Federal Bureau of Investigation, supported by the Navajo Nation Police Department, executed a strategic search warrant at the defendant's home. During the operation, federal agents successfully recovered three firearms and a significant quantity of ammunition, providing the physical evidence necessary to secure the current charges. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison noted that the recovery of these weapons was a crucial component in removing a persistent threat from the community and ensuring the safety of residents within the Navajo Nation.